Freeze/Cloud Point Process Analyzer

To remain competitive, today’s refiners must employ all optimization and product control techniques available. The use of online physical property analyzers is one of the key features to reach those objectives because they measure directly important quality properties in the process.The freezing point as well as the cloud point are both important cold properties which need to be monitored by operators. A matter of fact is that cloud point and freezing point can be detected with one analyzer as the principle of detection is identical. The difference between the two properties is defined by the actual sample behavior. The sample e.g. gasoil is cooled down and below a certain limit small crystals start to appear, which results in a certain degree of cloudiness of the sample. At that point the so called Cloud Point temperature is determined via reduction of light intensity through an optical path. The cooling process is stopped and the crystals dissolve again. At that point the sample becomes clear and transparent again. As soon as all crystals have dissolved the so called Freezing Point temperature has been reached.